Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Zechariah 10:1-11:17, Revelation 18:1-24, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 30:33

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Taste of His Goodness

“So I cared for the flock that was intended for slaughter—the flock that was oppressed—but they hated me.” (Zechariah 11:7)

If only they knew the true Shepherd.

If only they knew His goodness—how He fills the empty spirit, lifts the anguished heart, and restores those who are worn down and weary. Scripture invites us to:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8)

Some blame God for the harm done to them, not realizing He is the One who has been calling, protecting, and reaching for them all along.

In Zechariah 10–11 today, we see the heart of God toward His people. He is not distant or indifferent. He is present, compassionate, and deeply involved.

He makes His people strong and glorious, like a proud warhorse in battle (Zechariah 10:3).
He hears their cries (Zechariah 11:6).
He restores them because of His compassion (Zechariah 11:6).
He makes their hearts glad (Zechariah 11:7).
They run to Him eagerly and willingly  because of all the good He has done(Zechariah 11:8).

Psalm 146 echoes the same truth. The Lord made everything, and He keeps His promises. He gives justice to the oppressed, frees the prisoners, opens the eyes of the blind, and lifts those weighed down by life. He loves the godly, protects those who come to Him, and frustrates the plans of the wicked. He reigns forever, and He will be your God—never leaving you or forsaking you.

What more could we ask?

At the deepest level, we all want the same things: to be loved, to feel valued, wanted, and safe. This is exactly what we will find in Him—if we turn to Him. He is constant. We are the ones who stray.

And when we return, we do not find rejection. We find a sincere Father who runs to us, places His robe on our shoulders, His ring on our finger, and restores us fully to His house.

The alternative is stark. We can remain in the pig pen—following worthless shepherds who abandon the flock, fortune tellers who speak lies, and dream interpreters who offer false comfort. Without the true Shepherd, we wander, we are attacked, and we remain lost.

“My people wander like lost sheep. They are attacked because they have no shepherd.” (Zechariah 10:2)

The invitation is clear. The Shepherd is near.
If only we really knew Him.
If only we would come. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Then choose—again—to return to Him and taste how good He is.

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Prayer

Good Shepherd, I come back to You. Thank You for Your compassion, Your faithfulness, and Your care for my soul. Lead me, restore me, and keep me close. Help me to know You better and taste of Your goodness. I choose You above all others. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.